Is it worth getting a manual version of an economy car?

This right here. The manual will make your econobox more economical as well. And DEFINITELY get the automatic if you're going turbocharged up at the high-cost range, because if it's any good you'll never drop off boost while shifting.

I would go for manual, always manual

Having a manual makes driving my car bearable, without it I'd probably beat my head against the steering wheel. But, it lacks a lot of modern equipment. I have no power steering and love it for all of the fine adjustments I can make and how I can feel how the car responds to every bump and road surface.

Yeah, despite all the pissing and moaning about the bilevel dash and low rent materials, it's really been a good car with excellent ergonomics for me. It's biggest failing is nvh suppression and suspension damping/crashiness. Then again it weighs a measly 2650lb in a class of 2850-3000 compacts so that explains part of it. I had a rental Jetta for work and it smothered the road much better. Selling the civic now, I just don't need it now for commuting and now's the time to sell for top dollar.